Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the new Irish Consulate General Offices based in Melbourne and Malaga will be opened; if new locations for these offices have been secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61138/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Under the strategy, Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening or announcement of twenty-seven new missions.

Most recently, in March 2024, five diplomatic missions were announced. They are embassies in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo; and consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne. The three embassies are now operational, and the two consulates general will become operational over the course of 2026. Additionally, there has been a strengthening of strategically important diplomatic missions, including in Berlin, Brussels, London, Paris and Washington DC.

Site visits by Departmental staff to identify appropriate offices in both Málaga and Melbourne have recently taken place. The Department is now engaging with the owners of suitable properties with a view to securing rental agreements for these locations by the end of Q4 2025. Staff will occupy and open these premises in Q1 2026.

As with all of our missions the rationale behind opening in Màlaga and Melbourne was based on a robust analysis of how they will contribute to the promotion of our economic interests and our values in this changing and uncertain international landscape, promote our culture and build stronger links with our diaspora.